Today we were gonna move on and do the second act of the prologue. It was already a week since being in Mondstadt and we had to continue. Eventually we found Jean taking to someone.

Paimon: Isn't that Jean? Seems like she's talking to someone... Let's let her finish, then go say hi?

Mei: It would be for the best.

We listened to the conversation.

Fatui Diplomat: ...which is what has brought us to this point in the first place. If you are unable to promptly deal with the Stormterror threat, then leave the defense of Mondstadt to the Fatui. We can put an end to Mondstadt's dragon issues, all we need to do is bring that monster—

Jean: "Monster?"

Fatui: Diplomat: Yes, what's your point?

Jean: Ah... I'd expect a more professional attitude from your diplomats. Yet here you are saying you want to "put an end" to one of The Four Winds of Mondstadt? I won't have any of this nonsense in front of the Knights of Favonius.

Fatui Diplomat: Heh... Hehehe... It's not as crazy as you make it sound. Fine. That's enough negotiation for today. At this stage it's an amicable exchange of constructive opinions, no? I'll be sure to... make thorough notes...

After the Fatui Diplomat left, we went up to Jean.

Jean: Ah, everyone, you're back. Thanks for your help, the elemental flow is finally stable. The aftermath of Stormterror's last attack has finally settled for the moment. However, the pressure from the delegation has become too big to be ignored...

Paimon: Delegation? From Liyue Harbor or Inazuma City?

Jean: Snezhnaya. They chose to follow the God of Cryo. Their envoys go by a particular name: The Fatui. Heard of them?

Patrick: Yes we have.

Paimon: Oh, them. They are super famous. Wait, infamous is more the word...

Jean: I don't think killing Stormterror is the right course of action. The Cryo God's Fatui have always coveted the Anemo God's power. I don't believe they have Mondstadt's best interests at heart.

Aether: Speaking of power...

Jean: What is it Aether?

Aether: There's something we need to show the Knights of Favonius.

Jean: Oh? Let us head back to headquarters then. We shouldn't discuss important matters... out in the open.

(Jean's office)

We followed Jean back to the Knights of Favonius Headquarters then we showed Jean and Lisa the red crystal.

Jean: It's a crystal embedded with some kind of power... Lisa, are you able to analyze it?

Lisa: Let me take a look... I can see impurities in the crystal, but on further inspection... No, I'm sorry, I can't make a proper analysis at the moment. Give me some time. I'lll take a look through the library's restricted section.

Jean: Right. I'll leave the research to you then, Lisa.

Lisa: Understood. I'll notify you all if I make any progress. Though I wouldn't go getting your hopes up. They are incredibly ancient texts, not to mentio— Ouch! Gosh, that hurt! The impurities in the crystal... It hurts when I get close... I see... It appears to react to Visions. The impurities and the elemental energy we embody repel each other. It's strange though. You cuties have elemental abilities as well, but doesn't seem to be affected in the same way.

Aether: ...

Patrick: When we got close to it, my Vision and the Girls' Visions didn't get repelled.

Lisa: Anyway, the crystal would be better left in the hands of my cuties. It will just be a pain if left with us — both metamorphically and literally.

Aether: Okay. We will keep it.

Patrick: It doesn't affect us or my Vision or the Girls' visions. So we'll hold onto it.

Jean: ...Fascinating. Do you know anything about what makes you all special?

We shook our heads no.

Jean: I do not know what to make of it either. Well then... The Knights of Favonius have another favor to ask of you. Please accept the titles of Honorary Knights... and the gratitude of the Acting Grand Master.

Patrick & Kiana: Honorary?

Bronya: It means given an honorary title without needing the necessary qualifications.

Kiana: I'm surprised you've never heard that before.

Patrick: I didn't.

Paimon: Honorary Knights... of Favonius!?

Jean: We ask for your continued assistance in finding some answers. Stormterror's rage... and the strange crystals... I know Mondstadt's peace hangs upon the answers. May the wind open your eyes to the truth. We'll meet back here if you find anything.

Mei: Thank you Master Jean, we accept the title of Honorary Knights of Favonius.

Seele: It feels great.

As we were exiting out of the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, Paimon needed to speak to us.

Paimon: There's something you didn't tell them. The dragon and the crystal weren't the only things we saw.

Aether: First we'd like to investigate it on our own first.

Patrick: We can't label him as a suspicious person.

Kiana: We left him out because we don't want him on the wanted posters.

Paimon: So you do remember him, that green guy. He looked just like that green guy down there!

We saw the same person running by.

Aether: Well... Looks like him...

Everyone: What?!

Patrick and Paimon: That is the same guy!

We leaped down but saw that he disappeared.

Paimon: That green guy disappeared! Use Elemental Sight to track him down.

We used our Elemental Sight and saw green Anemo footprints the green guy left. The foot prints led us to a wall.

Paimon: His footprints lead to a wall. Didi he climb up from here?

Patrick: He could of teleported up like we saw before.

Aether way. Let's go after him!

Everyone: Right!

We climbed up the wall and Paimon was right. The footprints continued and the green guy really did climb the wall.

The tracks eventually lead us to the statue where we saw him playing a lyre. A crowd was watching him play.

Patrick in mind: So now we finally meet Venti.

We watched him tell the tale of Dvalin and Barbatos.

Venti:

What is to be sung transpired in days of yore

When the divine archons still walked the earth

A dragon cast his curious gaze on the world below

As he parted from the heavens that gave his birth

The dragon sought truth amongst common folk

But mortal trifles only fogged his mind

The windborne bard strummed his strings dolce

And the Holy Lyre answered his questions kind

The dragon was but a child full of wonder

And bored the heavens free from care

The bard's songs invited him to sing along

For he yearned to let all perceive him fair

Enchanting legends the bard and dragon were

But the tides of despair soon engulfed the land

The lion fang perished and the falcon flag slept

As a vile dragon approached Mondstadt in lone stand

Over the Cathedral loomed death and his friends

Of the people's agony the bard soon sang

The soaring dragon heeded his grave calls

And amidst the windstorms a brutal war sprang

Blood of venom sent the sky dragon into slumber

Only to awake to be expelled in abhor

"Why do people in this age loathe me so?"

But the Holy Lyre replied no more

Wrath and woe, vigor and venom

Poured from the dragon's bitter eyes

The dragon's curse sprayed in silence

But the Lyre could no longer soothe his cries

When Venti finished, the crowd left the we went up to him.

Venti: Wait, you guys are... Oh, that's right! You're the ones that scared Dvalin away.

Kiana: Look we didn't mean to do that. We just wanted to apologize for doing that.

Venti: It's fine. No hard feelings.

Paimon: Dvalin? Who's that?

Aether: That's Stormterror's real name. Lisa told us already, weren't you listening?

Paimon: Huh? ...Oh, right. Most people seem to call him "Stormterror." Why do you call him that... are you two meant to be close or something?

Venti: Oh, so close...

Patrick: Like me and the dragon I know back home.

Paimon: Hey, guys. Paimon thinks this guy has a screw loose...

Patrick: He doesn't.

Aether: Ahh... Hi...

Venti: I'm Venti the bard. Three-time winner of the "Most Popular Bard of Mondstadt," to be precise. So, what do you need from me?

Paimon: Given you recognize us, Paimon doesn't believe we need to explain any further. Of course it's about Stormterror.

Venti: Storm...?

Paimon: Hey! Cut it with the amnesia act! Alright, show it to him.

Aether showed Venti the crystal but it was no longer red but green.

Venti: Oh! Isn't this—

Patrick: We found it off Dvalin after he flew away.

Paimon: What!? The crystal has been purified!? When?

Aether: Not sure how this happened.

Venti: Dvalin, he... The anguish he feels... has brought him to tears...

Paimon: Tears...?

Venti brought out another crystal that looked exactly like our crystal only it was not purified.

Venti: He was once such a gentle child. Now full of rage and suffering... I also came across a Teardrop Crystal. Can you purify it?

Patrick: Yes we can.

Aether held the crystal then we put our hands in the middle and purified it.

Paimon: Ehhhh!?

Venti: You guys... really do have some wonderful abillities... Someone like you is going to end up getting written into a bard's poem. Oh, a group of heroes so bright, should they stand in the light. Though stand in the shade, and you'll be met by a blade... Alas... I've really not the time to compose a melody of you at this moment. Anyway, even if Dvalin is not taken down, his life will still wither away in the breeze... He'll burn himself out in the flames of anger...

Aether: Is there anything we can do to help?

Venti: I really must thank you for purifying the teardrop crystal, it has helped me greatly. But I've already come to devise my own plan.

Paimon: Oh? And what plan might that be?

Venti: Seeing this tear has brought to mind a friend so dear.

Paimon: Friend?

Venti: Heh-heh, one must be going.

Paimon: Hey! Where're you running off to!?

Venti: To the "Symbol of Mondstadt's Heroes." Bye-bye~

And then Venti left us.

Paimon: Okay... guys, whaddya think we should do?

Aether: This "weirdo" as you put it — we need to keep an eye on him...

Paimon: As far as he's concerned, you're all weirdos too ya know...

Aether: You know...

Paimon: Know what?

Aether: His voice seems familiar...

Paimon: Familiar? You're alone on that one... But did he just say "Symbol of Mondstadt's Heroes"? Oh Paimon knows! It's that huge tree. You know, the gigantic one! You can't miss it, surely you still remember!

Kiana: Yes we do still remember the giant tree.

Patrick: And that's why we're going there.

(Windrise)

We followed Venti to the giant tree.

Venti: Oh? What are you doing here? Though I was just wondering if you would happen to follow me...

Aether: We want to know more about the Anemo God.

Venti: You speak of the God of Anemo, Barbados? He already disappeared from Mondstadt a long time ago. Liyue and Inazuma's respective gods of Geo and Electro are still present, but Mondstadt has seen many a moon since they last saw their own god. Why do you wish to know about the God of Anemo? Does it have something to do with Dvalin?

Paimon: Oh... ahhh... it's because gods...

Aether: Yes, someone told us about Dvalin's past.

Venti: Just how is it that everyone sees "Stormterror'? I'm quite curious. That said, there's no need to rush... I have not been back in a while, it seems there are a few who are unhappy with my arrival.

There was an Eye of the Storm. Kiana, Mei, And Bronya fought against it.

Paimon: The wind... I can't... open my eyes... What is a creature like that doing out here in such a calm place? You think it was going after that greed guy?

Patrick: I think so.

Paimon: Guys... His relationship with the wind seems deeper than yours...

After Kiana, Mei, and Bronya took out the Eye of the Storm, Venti came back.

Venti: Seems the dragon wasn't the only thing affected by this change in the wind... Now then, you were saying someone had told you about the dragon?

(After explaining)

Venti: Is that so? Quite the scholar I must say that Lisa. She's not wrong. The conflict has reached this point, only because both sides have resorted to the use of force. His hate, however did not arise from the people not making tribute to The Four Winds. Nor was it born from his own nature, but instead came about as a product of his degradation.

Paimon: Degra... dation?

Venti: The black blood flowing through his heart has been torturing him for years. That's what has allowed him to be led astray by the lies of the Abyss Mage.

Aether: I think we've heard of them before in Mondstadt...

Patrick: We've heard of them before. The Abyss Order.

Venti: Correct. They are from the Abyss Order, an organization comprised of non-human beings. They despise mankind. I don't know where they come from. All I know is that they hold deep hatred towards the human world. Many Hilichurls out in the wild take orders from them and act as their weapons. Before arriving here. I too was like Dvalin, cursed and left to waste. But now, before us stands the Symbol of Mondstadt's Heroes, the place from which Mondstadt rose. The wind amongst the branches is good, I love the way it smells... Being here with you all beneath this tree feels like when the tear was purified earlier. Like the poison is leaving my body...

Venti stretched out then breathed.

Venti: Mmmmmmm... Feels much better.

Paimon: So... how exactly did you get poisoned?

Venti: Ahh... that would be because I was trying to communicate with Dvalin earlier, but was... interrupted... As a result, not only did I not manage to help Dvalin break his curse, but instead, was also infected myself!

Aether: That was ...us?

Venti: Yes it was you!

Kiana: Look we didn't mean to do that. It was a mistake.

Venti: So, to make up for it, everyone, you're coming with me to the Cathedral!

Paimon: The Mondstadt Cathedral? To do what exactly?

Venti: To claim a certain "Holy Lyre Der Himmel."

Patrick: I can relate to you Venti. I also have a relationship with a dragon.

Venti: Really?

Patrick: Yes I do. I wanted to introduce him to Aether and Paimon but couldn't find the right time to do it. And since no one is around here, now is a right time. This dragon trained me for a while and he taught me how to fight. He is a dragon that can use more than one element and is really wise.

Venti: I suppose I can meet your dragon before going to the Cathedral.

I walked a few steps from the tree then began by holding my right hand out like before then a large glowing construct circle appeared on the ground. I began chanting my summoning spell like last time. As I was chanting, the circle glowed brighter. When I finished chanting, fire erupted from the circle then from the flames appeared Toriyama as he roared out after appearing like before. Then he stepped on the ground.

Kiana: That's Patrick's master, Toriyama. We know its hard to believe but its like in a fairytale where you are trained by a dragon who can speak to you.

Aether: How strong is the dragon?

Bronya: Really strong. Like an alpha predator.

Paimon: Paimon can't believe that Patrick's master is a dragon.

Everyone walked up to me and Toriyama.

Patrick: Everyone, meet my master. Toriyama.

Paimon flew up to his head.

Paimon: It's hard to believe that a dragon trained a human.

Toriyama: Anything is possible. You must be Paimon.

Then he looked at everyone.

Toriyama: And you must be Aether. My apprentice told me all about you two.

Aether: We've only known each other for a little while now, sir.

Paimon: And we've been getting along just fine.

Venti: It's great that you and Patrick have a great relationship and all but my relationship with Dvalin is still broken. My name is Venti the bard.

Toriyama: Patrick called me here and asked that I train with him. He needed me for when you all go up against Dvalin.

Patrick: First we're gonna try to use the "Holy Lyre Der Himmel" then I'll summon you to try and help break Dvalin's curse.

(Cathedral)

After introducing Toriyama to Aether, Paimon, and Venti, I sent him back then we went to Mondstadt's Cathedral.

Paimon: So this... "Holy Lyre Der Himmel" is...

Venti: One of the most treasured items in Mondstadt. It's the lyre that Barbatos used to play. With it, perhaps I can help Dvalin draw his gentle nature back out of this nightmare he's going through.

Paimon: Will it really stop Stormterror from causing more damage?

Venti: Of course. I'm the best bard in the world. There's not a single song I do not know, no matter if it's from the past, present, or future. Look me in the eyes. Do you not find me trustworthy?

Aether: ...

Patrick: We trust you Venti.

Kiana: And we believe you.

Venti: Thanks.

Paimon: So how can we get the Holy Lyre?

Venti: It's said that it's enshrined deep within the Cathedral, somewhere safe. I'll go take a look. You can come if you want.

Seele: We will.

The 8 of us walked into the Cathedral.It was like any other church and cathedral back in the real world, any fantasy RPG video game, and Anime.

Venti: Let me handle this...

Venti walked up to one of the Sisters of the Cathedral.

Venti: Hello there, Sister.

Gotelinde: May the Anemo God bless you, young bard. How can I help you?

Venti: Actually, I know a secret that can save Mondstadt from its current predicament.

Gotelinde: Oh, what a blessing from the God of Anemo! But you should report to the Knights of Favonius. Why have you come to me?

Venti: Hahaha, because you, dear sister, are able to help! I'd like to borrow... the Holy Lyre. With it, I'll be able to help Stormterror—

Gotelinde: Please see yourselves out.

Venti: What?

Gotelinde: It's a vicious dragon indeed, but once the Acting Grand Master makes up her mind, nothing can stand in the Knights' way.

Venti: That's simply not acceptable. Wouldn't Stormterror end up getting killed that way?

Gotelinde: That foolish beast betrayed the winds. Not even the God of Anemo themselves would forgive it!

Venti: Ugh... Please, I beg of you!

Gotelinde: Im afraid not, little bard.

Gotelinde in mind: Strange... Somehow I feel so bad rejecting this sweet child...

Venti: Then... I guess I'm left with no other choice. I cannot hide anymore! My disciples, rejoice! Behold, the God of Anemo, Barbatos has descended! Shocked, aren't you? Don't you just want to cry out and rejoice? How does it feel to finally meet the god you've been serving?

Gotelinde: If there's nothing else, I'll be going back to handle the Cathedral's paperwork now.

Venti turned completely pale white in shock and disbelief.

Venti: Wait—

Then Gotelinde left him.

We walked up to him to comfort him.

Venti: Eh? She didn't even bat an eyelid. But I have at least learned what I wanted to know. She didn't't deny that the Cathedral is enshrining the Holy Lyre. Now, guys, since your the hotshots of the Knights of Favonius... Maybe you can give it a shot.

Kiana: We'll do that.

We walked up to the same nun, Gotelinde.

Gotelinde: Barbatos bless you.

Aether: We are the Honorary Knights of Favonius.

Gotelinde: I know you all. You people and Amber saved Mondstadt that day.

Kiana: That's right, it was nothing. We always jump into action.

Gotelinde: So what brings you here? Tasks from the Acting Grand Master?

Aether: Yes, actually. The Knights of Favonius would like to borrow the Holy Lyre...

Gotelinde: Is that so? Not that I trust you. It's just that a suspicious bard came looking to borrow the Holy Lyre as well. He's full of nonsense and even called himself Barbatos. He must be up to something. There are regulations in place for the use of the Holy Lyre. Currently, it's only used in Ludi Harpastum. Sighned documents from the Acting Grand Master, Seneschal, and Community Representative are all required. So, may I see the document from the Knights of Favonius?

Aether: The Grand Master didn't mention it.

Gotelinde: A signed document is required. Without it, there's not that much I can do.

Patrick: Look. We heard everything when you were speaking to the bard. Storrmterror is not attacking Mondstadt on its free will. It's being mind controlled by the Abyss Order.

Gotelinde: And what proof do you have that Stormterror is being mind controlled?

Patrick: Because of the dark crystals on it's back. Stomrterror is not attacking Mondstadt on purpose. It's being mind controlled from a curse and lies cast by the Abyss Order.

Kiana: And signed documents? We don't need no stinking signed documents. Stomrterror is cursed from that battle fighting against the evil dragon. And it did not betray the winds on its own free will.

Mei: Which is why we need the Holy Lyre to purify Stormterror to free it from its curse.

Bronya: It is the only way to save Mondstadt.

Seele: Killing the dragon isn't the right thing to do.

Gotelinde: Now, if you excuse me. I really am quite busy as of late.

Now we all turned completely pale white in shock and disbelief like Venti did. Then Gotelinde left us.

Patrick: And slip.

Feeling upset I used some Anemo magic without anyone noticing and made the nun slip and fall on her back. Then when she got up again I used some Anemo magic again and made her slip again and this time fall on her face.

Patrick: That should teach you to never turn us down.

I turned to Kiana.

Patrick: Nice "Treasure of Sierra Madre" reference there Kiana.

Kiana blushed.

Kiana: Thank you. I know.

We went back to Venti.

Venti: It didn't't work... I knew it.

Paimon: You "knew it"?

Venti: I just wanted to know how influential you guys — the hotshots of the Knights of Favonius — is. You see, the best warrior should always be presented with the best sword, and yet here we are...

Patrick: What about carisma?

Venti: That too. Does the story not make for a fitting balled?

Paimon: So what are you trying to say? That we're not good enough?

Venti: No, that's not it. More of a commentary regarding Mondstadt's inability to see the warrior standing right before its very eyes. Very well. Looks like borrowing it is not going to be possible. We're simply going to have to steal it.

Patrick in mind: Like stealing the Declaration of Independence in "National Treasure".

Venti: Today we stand for free will! Any suggestions on just how we steal it?

Aether: ...

Venti: Come now, speak up. That's what free will is for.

Patrick: We know someone who can steal something without a problem but she got separated from us. Her name is Kallen and is part of Kiana's family line.

Aether: I don't want to steal anything!

Venti: Hahaha, look at you. Sidetracked from the start. But seriously, you're more suitable for the job than I. Aside from singing, I don't really have any other talents. Besides, if I was caught, I'd have no-one to right the grave injustice of my arrest.

Paimon: How can it be a "grave injustice" if you get caught stealing red-handed?

Venti: But things are different for you guys. You are the superstars of the Knights of Favonius. You have made contributions to Mondstadt. Should you get caught, you would be able to talk your way out of it. The guards here, it seems they're off duty throughout the night. If we manage to seize this opportunity, it should be smooth sailing from here.

Paimon: Stop mentioning us getting caught! 

Venti: Guys... What do you say?

Patrick: We vote that Aether and Paimon do it. We all can't go because it's easier if only one of us does it with Paimon.

Aether: I'm sorry— Wait... Did you just say... you're Barbatos?

Venti: Ah, yes. Seems I did mention that... Your point being?

Aether: If you really are a god, then we can't simply abandon you.

Venti: Why does your decision hinge upon wether or not I am a god?

Paimon: Paimon'll fill you in on everyone's background story once we get the time...

Aether: And if you're not a god, then we'll help Dvalin anyway.

Venti: Huh?

Aether: I don't want to see another separation.

Seele: Neither do we.

Patrick: Then it's settled, we'll meet back here tonight.

The cathedral doors opened then someone else stepped right in and gasped when the person saw us.

???: Patrick!? Kiana!? Mei!? Bronya!? Seele!?

Instantly we recognized the voice belonging to a little girl. We turned and saw her. There she was.

Theresa Apocalypse. She was still wearing her Valkyrie Pledge but had an Electro Vision on her dress and she still had the Oath of Judah with her.

Patrick: ...Theresa?

Theresa: Yes... It is me...

Kiana: AUNTIE THERESA!

Kiana rushed in then jumped up and tackled Theresa into a hug.

Kiana: Auntie Theresa! I've missed you so much! You won't believe how many adventures we've been having! We've been doing quests and clearing dungeons!...

Theresa got angered, then she snapped her fingers as the Oath of Judah stood then its chains came out and wrapped around Kiana and lifted her off Theresa.

Kiana: EEK!

Theresa: How many times do I have to tell you to learn some manners, Kiana! Never do that again the next time you find me after so long!... Uh?

Everyone stared at Theresa.

Otto: Since when can little girls do that kind of bondage with a weapon like that?

Gotelinde: A weapon resembling a cross? Even little girls can be dangerous with weapons.

Knight of Favonius: What a unique weapon. What other things can it do other than bondage?

https://youtu.be/gzdqmYrtOl0

Theresa: Eh!... Nothing to see here people! I was just using self defense! My niece here got too overexcited to see me and overacted! I'll just!...

Theresa let Kiana go and the chains went back inside the Oath of Judah.

Paimon: Who's that little girl?

Patrick: That's Theresa. Kiana's Aunt. And one of our missing friends and family.

Paimon: Really? She's too young to be an Aunt.

Patrick: She may be a child but in actuality she's over 40 years old and can't get any taller. No offense.

Paimon: What a brat she is with a cross.

Once again Theresa felt provoked and wrapped a chain around Paimon:

Paimon: Hey! Paimon didn't mean it! I'm sorry!

I face palmed myself.

Patrick in mind: This was not how I pictured our reunion with our first person.